Intracardiac Abscess Research Articles

Comparative effectiveness of empirical antibiotic treatments in methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus infective endocarditis: A post hoc analysis of a prospective French cohort study

ObjectivesThe empirical treatment of infective endocarditis is still debated. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of empirical treatment with antistaphylococcal penicillin (ASP) or cefazolin vs. other treatments in methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) endocarditis. MethodsA post hoc analysis of a prospective cohort study of patients hospitalized in a French reference centre with MSSA endocarditis was conducted between 2013 and 2022. The primary outcome was the duration of bacteraemia under treatment. ResultsOf the 208 patients included, 101 patients (48.6%) were classified in the reference group (ASP or cefazolin) and 107 (52.4%) in the non-reference group. Empirical treatment with ASP/cefazolin was associated with a shorter duration of bacteraemia compared to other treatments (3.6 d vs. 4.6 d, P = 0.01). This difference was not corrected by the addition of an aminoglycoside (3.6 d vs. 4.7 d, P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, empirical treatment with ASP/cefazolin was associated with a duration of bacteraemia ≤72 h (P = 0.02), whereas endocarditis on native valves (P = 0.01), and intracardiac abscess were associated with longer duration of bacteraemia (P = 0.01). ConclusionsEmpirical treatment of endocarditis with ASP or Cefazolin is more effective than other treatments in MSSA endocarditis, even when the other treatments are combined with aminoglycosides.

Clinical presentation, microbiology, and prognostic factors of prosthetic valve endocarditis. Lessons learned from a large prospective registry.

Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is a serious infection associated with high mortality that often requires surgical treatment. Study on clinical characteristics and prognosis of a large contemporary prospective cohort of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) that included patients diagnosed between January 2008 and December 2020. Univariate and multivariate analysis of factors associated with in-hospital mortality was performed. The study included 1354 cases of PVE. The median age was 71 years with an interquartile range of 62-77 years and 66.9% of the cases were male. Patients diagnosed during the first year after valve implantation (early onset) were characterized by a higher proportion of cases due to coagulase-negative staphylococci and Candida and more perivalvular complications than patients detected after the first year (late onset). In-hospital mortality of PVE in this series was 32.6%; specifically, it was 35.4% in the period 2008-2013 and 29.9% in 2014-2020 (p = 0.031). Variables associated with in-hospital mortality were: Age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.08-1.23), intracardiac abscess (OR:1.78, 95% CI:1.30-2.44), acute heart failure related to PVE (OR: 3. 11, 95% CI: 2.31-4.19), acute renal failure (OR: 3.11, 95% CI:1.14-2.09), septic shock (OR: 5.56, 95% CI:3.55-8.71), persistent bacteremia (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.21-2.83) and surgery indicated but not performed (OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.49-2.89). In-hospital mortality in patients with surgical indication according to guidelines was 31.3% in operated patients and 51.3% in non-operated patients (p<0.001). In the latter group, there were more cases of advanced age, comorbidity, hospital acquired PVE, PVE due to Staphylococcus aureus, septic shock, and stroke. Not performing cardiac surgery in patients with PVE and surgical indication, according to guidelines, has a significant negative effect on in-hospital mortality. Strategies to better discriminate patients who can benefit most from surgery would be desirable.

Enterococcal Prosthetic Valve Infective Endocarditis Presenting as Complete Heart Block with Intramyocardial Abscess Causing Asystolic Cardiac Arrest

The extension of an intracardiac abscess causing complete heart block is a rare complication of infective endocarditis that is associated with a high mortality. Early identification of conduction abnormalities and a low threshold for suspecting infective endocarditis is crucial to provide prompt management to prevent intracardial extension of infection. We report a case of a patient presenting with complete heart block in the setting of profound hyperkalemia, and was then found to have enterococcal prosthetic valve endocarditis, which was complicated by an intracardiac aortic root abscess which led to asystolic cardiac arrest. The development of heart block in endocarditis serves as a marker for poor prognosis and can signify progression of infection. Management therefore requires immediate pacing, antibiotic delivery to lessen infectious burden, and evaluation for consideration of surgical options such as valve replacement. It is therefore recommended for patients with endocarditis complicated by conduction abnormalities or intracardial abscesses to be treated by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and infectious disease specialists.

Risk of embolic events before and after antibiotic treatment initiation among patients with left-side infective endocarditis.

Embolic events (EEs) are a common complication of left-side infective endocarditis (IE). The aim of the present study was to identify risk factors for the occurrence of EEs before or after antibiotic treatment instauration among patients with definite or possible IE. This retro-prospective study was conducted at the Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland, from January 2014 to June 2022. EEs and IE were defined according to modified Duke criteria. A total of 441 left-side IE episodes were included (334: 76% were definite and 107; 24% possible IE). EE were diagnosed in 260 (59%) episodes; in 190 (43%) before antibiotic treatment initiation and 148 (34%) after. Central nervous system (184; 42%) was the most common site of EE. Multivariable analysis identified S. aureus (P 0.022), immunological phenomena (P < 0.001), sepsis (P 0.027), vegetation size ≥ 10mm (P 0.003) and intracardiac abscess (P 0.022) as predictors of EEs before antibiotic treatment initiation. For EEs after antibiotic treatment initiation, multivariable analysis revealed vegetation size ≥ 10mm (P < 0.001), intracardiac abscess (P 0.035) and prior EE (P 0.042), as independent predictors of EEs, while valve surgery (P < 0.001) was associated with lower risk for EEs. We reported a high percentage of EEs among patients with left-side IE; vegetation size, intracardiac abscess, S. aureus and sepsis were independently associated with the occurrence of EEs. In addition to antibiotic treatment, early surgery led to further decrease in EEs incidence.

Impact of Intermediate Susceptibility to Penicillin on Antimicrobial Treatment and Outcomes of Endocarditis Caused by Viridans and Gallolyticus Group Streptococci.

Evidence supporting combination treatment with a beta-lactam plus an aminoglycoside (C-BA) for endocarditis caused by viridans and gallolyticus group streptococci (VGS-GGS) with intermediate susceptibility to penicillin (PENI-I) is lacking. We assessed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of PEN-I VGS-GGS endocarditis and compared the effectiveness and safety of C-BA with third-generation cephalosporin monotherapy. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of a cohort of definite endocarditis caused by penicillin-susceptible and PENI-I VGS-GGS (penicillin minimum inhibitory concentration ranging from 0.25 to 2 mg/L) between 2008 and 2018 in 40 Spanish hospitals. We compared cases treated with monotherapy or with C-BA and performed multivariable analyses of risk factors for in-hospital and 1-year mortality. A total of 914 consecutive cases of definite endocarditis caused by VGS-GGS with complete or intermediate susceptibility to penicillin were included. A total of 688 (75.3%) were susceptible to penicillin and 226 (24.7%) were PENI-I. Monotherapy was used in 415 (45.4%) cases (cephalosporin in 331 cases) and 499 (54.6%) cases received C-BA. In-hospital mortality was 11.9%, and 190 (20.9%) patients developed acute kidney injury. Heart failure (odds ratio [OR]: 6.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.37-26.87; P = .018), central nervous system emboli (OR: 9.83; 95% CI: 2.17-44.49; P = .003) and intracardiac abscess (OR: 13.47; 95% CI: 2.24-81.08; P = .004) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality among PEN-I VGS-GGS cases, while monotherapy was not (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: .26-3.96; P = .982). Our findings support the use of cephalosporin monotherapy in PEN-I VGS-GGS endocarditis in order to avoid nephrotoxicity without adversely affecting patient outcomes.

Aseptic presentation of interventricular septal abscess with progressive heart block: a case report

BackgroundInfective endocarditis can progress to an intracardiac abscess in 20% to 30% of cases, with interventricular septal abscess (IVSA) being one of the rare complications usually presenting with sepsis. We present a case of IVSA presenting with a new-onset second-degree heart block, which rapidly progressed to a complete heart block.Case presentationA 80-year-old Caucasian female with a past medical history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presented with exertional chest pain, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath with telemetry and electrocardiogram revealing persistent Mobitz type II second degree atrioventricular block. The rest of the vitals were normal. As she was being planned for a pacemaker placement, she spiked a temperature of 103F. Blood cultures grew methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, and appropriate antibiotics were initiated. Transthoracic echocardiogram was grossly normal. However, transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a heterogeneous extension of an echodensity from the aortic root, along the aorto-mitral cushion and into the interventricular septum, indicating an interventricular septal abscess. Her course was complicated by altered mental status, with computed tomography of the brain revealing hypodense regions in the left lentiform nucleus and anterior caudate nucleus representing acute/subacute stroke. Surgery was deferred as she was deemed a poor candidate. She succumbed to her illness on day 6 of hospitalization.ConclusionIntracardiac abscesses should be considered a possible initial differential in patients with progressive heart block despite aseptic presentation and no risk factors.

Abstract 14509: A Rare Case of Cardiac Tamponade as an Initial Presentation of Native Aortic Valve Infective Endocarditis

Background: Pericardial involvement is a rare presentation of infectious endocarditis (IE). We present a case of septic cardiac tamponade, paravalvular abscess and fibrinous pericarditis secondary to native aortic valve (AV) IE. Presentation: A 50-year-old gentleman with a history of IV drug use presented with fever, dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain for one week. He was febrile, tachycardic and hypotensive on presentation. Examination revealed a new onset early diastolic murmur. Workup: EKG showed mild diffuse ST segment elevations and PR segment depressions suggestive of pericarditis. Blood cultures grew Serratia marcescens in 6 out of 6 bottles and IV cefepime was initiated. TTE revealed large effusion with right atrium and right ventricle diastolic collapse consistent with tamponade physiology (fig. A, B). A vegetation was seen on the right coronary cusp of AV along with aortic insufficiency and aortic root abscess. TEE confirmed the above findings (fig. C-F) Management: An emergency cardiac surgery was performed for acute aortic regurgitation and cardiac tamponade. Intraoperative findings revealed 600mL of purulent effusion. A large vegetative mass near left-to-right commissure covering an abscess cavity that extended into the aortic wall that destroyed the annulus and extended into the ventricular muscle. AV replacement with 21mm Inspiris pericardial AV and pericardial patching was done. Epicardial tissue as well as AV leaflet cultures revealed moderate to heavy growth of S. marcescens . He was discharged on cefepime for a total duration of 6 weeks. Follow up TTE revealed normal peak and mean transaortic gradients. Conclusion: Cardiac tamponade is a rare but life-threatening complication of IE. Pericardial involvement should prompt us further work up to exclude intra-cardiac abscess which carries poor prognosis due to high complication rates. Hence, early multidisciplinary team response is of paramount importance to reduce in-hospital mortality.

Surgical Techniques and Outcomes in Patients With Intra-Cardiac Abscesses Complicating Infective Endocarditis.

BackgroundAn intra-cardiac abscess is a serious complication of both native (NV-IE) and prosthetic valve infective endocarditis (PV-IE). Despite being an accepted indication for surgery, controversies remain regarding the optimal timing and type of operation. We aimed to report the outcomes of patients managed for intra-cardiac abscesses over more than a decade.MethodsPatients aged ≥18 years managed for intra-cardiac abscess between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2017 were identified from a prospectively collected IE database. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality in operated patients and secondary outcomes were freedom from re-infection, re-operation and long-term mortality comparing those patients with aortic root abscess who underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) and those who received aortic root replacement (ARR).ResultsFifty-nine patients developed an intra-cardiac abscess, and their median age was 55 (43–71) years; among them, 44 (75%) were men, and 10 (17%) were persons who injected drugs. Infection with beta-haemolytic streptococci was associated with NV-IE (p = 0.009) and coagulase-negative staphylococci with PV-IE (p = 0.005). Forty-four (75%) underwent an operation, and among those with aortic root abscess, 27 underwent AVR and 12 ARR. Thirty-day mortality was associated with infection with S. aureus (p = 0.006) but not the type or timing of the operation. Survival in operated patients was 66% at 1 year and 59% at 5 years. In operated patients, none had a relapse, although six developed late recurrence. Freedom from infection, re-operation and long-term mortality were similar in patients undergoing AVR compared to ARR.ConclusionPatients diagnosed with intra-cardiac abscess who were not operated on had very poor survival. In those who underwent an operation, either by AVR or ARR based upon patient factors, imaging and intra-operative findings outcomes were similar.

An unusual infective endocarditis case presenting as meningitis in a young male with recent dental work

Introduction: Infective endocarditis manifests in a variety of clinical presentations. Here, we present a case of infective endocarditis with uncommon presentation, unusual risk factors and rapidly progressing course that is important for clinicians to be aware of.&#x0D; Case: A 39-year-old healthy man presented for altered mental status, fever, and diffuse petechial rash. Ceftriaxone, vancomycin, and steroids were started for likely meningococcal meningitis. Blood cultures grew Staphylococcus aureus. His condition worsened with multiple complications. Transthoracic echocardiograms were negative for vegetations, but transesophageal echocardiogram finally showed a large aortic valve vegetation and aortic root abscess. Patient underwent cardiothoracic surgery and was successfully discharged home.&#x0D; Discussion: A high index of suspicion is required to quickly diagnosis IE. A detailed physical examination is paramount for correct diagnosis. TEE is superior to bedside TTE in such cases. IE can be complicated with intracardiac abscesses, septic shock, and presence of SAH.&#x0D; Key Words: Endocarditis, meningitis, petechial rash

Purposeful use of multimodality imaging in the diagnosis of caseous mitral annular calcification: a case series report

BackgroundCaseous mitral annular calcification (CMAC) is a rare liquefactive variant of mitral annular calcification (MAC) and superficially mimics a cardiac vegetation or abscess. CMAC is viewed as a benign condition of MAC, while MAC has clinical implications for patients’ lives. Correctly diagnosing CMAC is essential in order to avoid unnecessary interventions, cardiac surgery or even psychological suffering for the patient.Case presentationWe report on 6 patients with suspected intra-cardiac masses of the mitral annulus that were referred to our institution for further clarification. A definitive diagnosis of CMAC was achieved by combining echocardiography (Echo), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cardiac computed tomography (CT) for these patients. Echo assessed the mass itself and possible interactions with the mitral valve. MRI was useful in differentiating the tissue from other benign or malign neoplasms. CT revealed the typical structure of CMAC with a “soft” liquefied centre and an outer capsule with calcification.ConclusionCMAC is a rare condition, and most clinicians and even radiologists are not familiar with it. CMAC can be mistaken for an intra-cardiac tumour, thombus, vegetation, or abscess. Non-invasive multimodality imaging (i.e. Echo, MRI, and CT) helps to establish a definitive diagnosis of CMAC and avoid unnecessary interventions especially in uncertain cases.

Perivalvular Extension of Infective Endocarditis After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Infective endocarditis (IE) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been associated with a dismal prognosis. However, scarce data exist on IE perivalvular extension (PEE) in such patients. This multicenter study included 579 patients who had the diagnosis of definite IE at a median of 171 (53-421) days following TAVR. PEE was defined as the presence of an intracardiac abscess, pseudoaneurysm, or fistula. A total of 105 patients (18.1%) were diagnosed with PEE (perivalvular abscess, pseudoaneurysm, fistula, or a combination in 87, 7, 7, and 4 patients, respectively). A history of chronic kidney disease (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj], 2.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27-3.41; P = .003) and IE secondary to coagulase-negative staphylococci (ORadj, 2.71; 95% CI: 1.57-4.69; P < .001) were associated with an increased risk of PEE. Surgery was performed at index IE episode in 34 patients (32.4%) with PEE (vs 15.2% in patients without PEE, P < .001). In-hospital and 2-year mortality rates among PEE-IE patients were 36.5% and 69.4%, respectively. Factors independently associated with an increased mortality were the occurrence of other complications (stroke post-TAVR, acute renal failure, septic shock) and the lack of surgery at index IE hospitalization (padj < 0.05 for all). PEE occurred in about one-fifth of IE post-TAVR patients, with the presence of coagulase-negative staphylococci and chronic kidney disease determining an increased risk. Patients with PEE-IE exhibited high early and late mortality rates, and surgery during IE hospitalization seemed to be associated with better outcomes.

AN UNUSUAL CASE OF INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS PRESENTING AS MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS IN A YOUNG MALE WITH RECENT DENTAL WORK

TOPIC: Chest Infections TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) has been increasing in U.S., likely due to increased age, valvular diseases and cardiac device implantation or valve replacements. Here, we present a case of infective endocarditis with uncommon presentation, unusual risk factors and rapidly progressing course that is important for clinicians to consider in their clinical practice. CASE PRESENTATION: A 39-year-old healthy man, without smoking or drug use, presented for altered mental status and fever for 1-2 days. His initial vitals were significant for a temperature of 103.8˚F. On exam, he was oriented x2, had conjunctival petechiae, a fixed dental expander, a soft systolic murmur and petechial rash over his body. CSF studies suggested bacterial meningitis, but gram stain was negative. CT head showed a subarachnoid hemorrhage. He was started on ceftriaxone, vancomycin and steroids for likely meningococcal meningitis. His blood cultures grew methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. He developed atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response and elevation in troponin to 41.26 ng/dL. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed a stenotic aortic valve suggestive of bicuspid valve without vegetations. CT chest/abdomen/pelvis showed infarcts within the spleen, kidneys and mesentery. His clinical condition further declined and EKG revealed a prolonged P-R interval. A transesophageal echocardiogram showed a large aortic valve vegetation and aortic root abscess. Cardiothoracic surgery was consulted for early surgical intervention with abscess drainage and aortic valve replacement. Patient was successfully discharged home with antibiotics and warfarin. DISCUSSION: The initial presentation of fever, malaise, altered mental status and petechial rash in a young person was suspicion for meningococcal meningitis. One study of patients with IE showed 6% had encephalopathy/meningitis and 4% had hemorrhages. These complications were seen particularly with vegetations ≥3cm and S. aureus infections, similar to this patient. It is imperative to have high suspicion for IE in any infected patient with generalized CNS symptoms. Our patient lacked known risk factors for IE, thus a detailed physical examination is paramount in patients with a high index of suspicion. Presence of a dental implant provided us the initial clue towards this key diagnosis. Few studies show causation of dental procedures and risk of developing IE. This is another rare example. We report successful treatment of a rapidly progressive disease with early diagnosis, appropriate antibiotics and early surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: A high index of suspicion is required to quickly diagnosis IE. A detailed physical examination is paramount for correct diagnosis. TEE is superior to bedside TTE in such cases. IE can be complicated with intracardiac abscesses, septic shock, and presence of SAH. REFERENCE #1: Sexton, Daniel, and Vivian Chu. "Native Valve Endocarditis: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Microbiology." UpToDate, 7 Oct. 2020, www.uptodate.com/contents/native-valve-endocarditis-epidemiology-risk-factors-and-microbiology?search=causes+of+enodcarditis&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1. REFERENCE #2: Thanavaro, Kristin L., and J.V. (Ian) Nixon. "Endocarditis 2014: An Update." Heart & Lung, Mosby, 26 Apr. 2014, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0147956314000788. REFERENCE #3: McDonald, Jay R. "Acute Infective Endocarditis." Infectious Disease Clinics of North America, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2726828/. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Michelle Zur, source=Web Response

Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus mimicking benign cardiac tumour of the mitral valve

Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus (CCMA) is a rare subtype of mitral annular calcification. It usually appears as a large, round, mass-like calcification with an echolucent core, which may be misdiagnosed as an intracardiac mass, cyst, thrombus or abscess of the mitral valve. We present a case report of CCMA that was misdiagnosed by echocardiography as a benign tumour due to its atypical imaging. The mitral valve mass was resected and it was pathologically confirmed to be a myxoid change with calcification. Echocardiography is the preferred initial diagnostic tool. Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) is used to evaluate the vascularity of intracardiac masses or mass-like lesions, but neither echocardiography nor MCE is reliable for identifying atypical lesions. Cardiac computed tomography is helpful in establishing a diagnosis by showing dense calcifications, while cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is used primarily as a credible tool. We therefore recommend that a diagnosis should be made based on various imaging modalities, if necessary, and operators should be skilled to avoid misdiagnosis.

Active Infective Native and Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis: Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Patients after Surgical Treatment.

Background: Active infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious disease associated with high mortality. The current study represents our experience over 18 years with surgical treatment for active infective native and prosthetic valve endocarditis (INVE, IPVE). Method: Analysis of 413 patients (171 with IPVE vs. 242 with INVE) who underwent cardiac surgery due to IE between 2002 and 2020. Results: Patients with IPVE were significantly older (64.9 ± 13.2 years vs. 58.3 ± 15.5 years; p < 0.001) with higher EuroSCORE II (21.2 (12.7; 41.8) vs. 6.9 (3.0; 17.0); p < 0.001)) and coronary heart disease (50.6% vs. 38.0%; p < 0.011). Preoperative embolization was significantly higher within INVE (35.5% vs. 16.4%; p < 0.001) with high incidence of cerebral embolization (18.6% vs. 7.6%; p = 0.001) and underwent emergency curative surgery than the IPVE group (19.6% vs. 10.6%; p < 0.001). However, patients with IPVE were significantly represented with intracardiac abscess (44.4% vs.15.7%; p < 0.001). Intraoperatively, the duration of surgery was expectedly significantly higher in the IPVE group (356 min vs. 244 min.; p = 0.001) as well as transfusion of blood (4 units (0–27) vs. 2 units (0–14); p < 0.001). Post-operatively, the incidence of bleeding was markedly higher within the IPVE group (700 mL (438; 1163) vs. 500 mL (250; 1075); p = 0.005). IPVE required significantly more permanent pacemakers (17.6% vs. 7.5%: p = 0.002). The 30-day mortality was higher in the IPVE group (24.6% vs. 13.2%; p < 0.003). Conclusion: Patients with INVE suffered from a higher incidence of cerebral embolization and neurological deficits than patients with IPVE. Surgical treatment in INVE is performed mostly as an emergency indication. However, patients with IPVE were represented commonly with intracardiac abscess, and had a higher indication of pacemaker implantation. The short- and long-term mortality rate among those patients was still high.

Clinical Features and Outcome of Infective Endocarditis in a University Hospital in Romania.

Background and Objectives: Characterization of patients with endocarditis regarding demographic, clinical, biological and imagistic data, blood culture results and possible correlation between different etiologic factors and host status characteristics. Material and methods: This is a retrospective observational descriptive study conducted on patients older than 18 years admitted in the past 10 years, in the Cardiology Clinic of the Clinical County Emergency Hospital Oradea Romania, with clinical suspicion of bacterial endocarditis. Demographic data, clinical, paraclinical investigations and outcome were registered and analyzed. Results: 92 patients with definite infective endocarditis (IE) according to modified Duke criteria were included. The mean age of patients was 63.80 ± 13.45 years. A percent of 32.6% had health care associated invasive procedure performed in the 6 months before diagnosis of endocarditis. Charlson’s comorbidity index number was 3.53 ± 2.029. Most common clinical symptoms and signs were: shortness of breath, cardiac murmur, fever. Sixty-six patients had native valve endocarditis, 26 patients had prosthetic valve endocarditis and one patient was with congenital heart disease. Blood cultures were positive in 61 patients. Among positive culture patient’s staphylococcus group was the most frequently involved: Staphylococcus aureus (19.6%) and coagulase negative Staphylococcus (18.5%). Most frequent complications were heart failure, acute renal failure and embolic events. Conclusions: Staphylococcus aureus IE was associated with the presence of large vegetations, prosthetic valve endocarditis and intracardiac abscess. Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) infection was associated with prosthetic valve dysfunction. Streptococcus gallolyticus etiology correlated with ischemic embolic stroke and the presence of large vegetations. Cardiovascular surgery was recommended in 67.4% of patients but was performed only on half of them. In hospital death occurred in 33.7% of patients and independent predictors of mortality were congestive heart failure and septic shock.

INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS PRESENTING AS COMPLETE HEART BLOCK

Intracardiac abscess causing 3rd degree AV block is a rare complication that can be seen in infective endocarditis. Epicardial pacing is a potentially feasible alternative to manage heart block in such patients. A 71-year-old male with ESRD on dialysis and recent admission for MRSA bacteremia

Evaluation of Perioperative Data in Patients with Infective Endocarditis Due to Antibiotic-Resistant Strains, Operated with the Use of Hyperthermic Perfusion

Objectives. Due to reduction of terms of in-hospital treatment and increased range of community-acquired medical interventions risk of infective endocarditis (IE) due to antibiotic-resistant microorganisms increases. Surgical treatment of IE due to antibiotic resistant strains requires complex approach including the terms of surgical intervention, rational etiotropic antibiotic therapy, adequate materials for intracardiac reconstructions, hyperthermic per-fusion during bypass and careful perioperative management.&#x0D; The objective of the study was to describe the influence of antibiotic resistance on clinical course and results of surgical treatment in patients with infective endocarditis, operated with the use of hyperthermic perfusion.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Clinical data of 227 consequent patients with active infective endocarditis, operated from 01/01/2016 to 01/11/2018 were analyzed. The mean age was 48.7 ± 15.5 years. Gram-positive microorganisms were identified in 210 (92.5%) cases. Among them vancomycin-resistant strains composed – 46 (22.1%)cases. Gram-negative cultures were found in 17 (7.5%) cases. In this group the rate of carbapenem-resistant strains reached 47.1% (8 cases). Patients were operated with the use of total controlled hyperthermic perfusion (TCHP). Comparative analysis of perioperative data was carried out.&#x0D; Results. The group of patients with IE due to antibiotic-resistant strains (N = 54) was characterized by a higher frequency of redo interventions for replacement of infected valves – 7 (12.9%) cases, intracardiac abscesses – 13 (24.1%) cases, and lower frequency of valve-repair procedures – 5 (9.2%) cases, indicating a significant degree of initial degradation of the valve (p &lt; 0.05). Despite the absence of influence of the duration of aortic cross-clamping time, the total bypass time in the antibiotic-resistant group was significantly higher (p = 0.021). Analysis of hemodynamic status of patients revealed that the dose and duration of sympatho-mimetic administration were significantly higher in the group of patients with resistant microorganisms: dobutamine – 3.7 ± 0.6 ?g/kg/min and 113.2 ± 2.1 hours; norepinephrine – 0.09 ± 0.01 ?g/kg/min and 12.3 ± 2.1 hours respectively (p &lt; 0.001). Surgical interventions in patients with IE due to antibiotic-resistant strains, had higher frequency of postoperative heart failure – 30.8% cases (p = 0.002) and hospital mortality – 5,8% (p = 0.017) cases.&#x0D; Conclusions. Application of TCHP allowed to decrease hospital mortality to 5.8% in surgical treatment of patients with IE, caused by antibiotic-resistant strains of microorganisms.

Predictors of permanent pacemaker requirement after cardiac surgery for infective endocarditis.

Infectious endocarditis is often complicated by conduction abnormalities at the time of presentation. Cardiac surgery is the treatment of choice for many infectious endocarditis patients, but carries an additional risk of persistent postoperative conduction abnormality. We sought to define the incidence and clinical predictors of significant postoperative conduction abnormalities necessitating permanent pacemaker implantation after cardiac surgery for infectious endocarditis. All consecutive patients with infectious endocarditis who were surgically treated at Cleveland Clinic from 2007 to 2013 were identified using the Cleveland Clinic Infective Endocarditis Registry and the Cardiovascular Information Registry. Patients with a pre-existing cardiac implantable electronic device were excluded. The primary outcome was the need for permanent pacemaker placement postoperatively for atrioventricular block. Regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for permanent pacemaker requirement. Among 444 infectious endocarditis patients who underwent cardiac surgery for infectious endocarditis, 57 (13%) required postoperative permanent pacemaker for atrioventricular block. Multivariable analysis identified that prolongation in preoperative PR and QRS intervals, Staphylococcus aureus as the infectious endocarditis organism, the presence of intracardiac abscess, tricuspid valve involvement, and prior valvular surgery independently predicted postoperative permanent pacemaker placement. The developed model exhibited excellent predictive ability (c-statistic 0.88) and calibration. Infectious endocarditis cardiac surgery patients often require a postoperative permanent pacemaker. Preoperative conduction abnormality, S. aureus infection, abscess, tricuspid valve involvement, and prior valvular surgery are strong predictors of postoperative permanent pacemaker placement.

Surgical Treatment of Valvular Infective Endocarditis Complicated by An Abscess: A Single Center’s Experience

Objectives: To examine the surgical treatment and mortality rate of valvular infective endocarditis complicated by an abscess in patients at a major tertiary care center. Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) involving a heart valve is fatal if left untreated. The appearance of a comorbid abscess impacts the choice of treatment and surgical technique and, in some instances, may present unique technical challenges. Methods: Departmental data from all patients who underwent surgery for IE at a single major tertiary care center from July 2007 to January 2016 were retrospectively screened for the presence of an intracardiac abscess. Patients with at least one confirmed abscess were examined further with respect to the surgical procedures completed and 30-day mortality rate. Results: Over the almost nine years of data collection, we identified 14 patients (9 males, 5 females) with at least one confirmed cardiac abscess. Patients ranged in age from 28 to 77 years old (mean 57.8 ± 14 years). Various surgical procedures were performed, including aortic or/and mitral valve replacement, mitral or/and tricuspid valve repair, and a freestyle prosthetic valve implant in the pulmonary position. In two patients, surgery was extended to include the ascending aorta; while two patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. A patch technique was adopted whenever necessary. Overall, 12 patients survived, while one died from septic shock and another from pneumonia. Conclusions: An abscess is a serious complication of valvular infective endocarditis that can appreciably increase the complexity of surgical intervention. In our experience, however, this seemed not to directly affect the 30-day mortality-rate, with both deaths ascribed to disseminated infection.

Endocarditis due to gram-negative bacilli at a French teaching hospital over a 6-year period: clinical characteristics and outcome

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) due to gram-negative bacilli (GNB) is rare. However, several studies described a change in the epidemiological profile of patients within the past few years. Methods: We reviewed all cases diagnosed and followed in the infectious diseases ward of a French teaching hospital in Paris between 2009 and 2014, inclusive. Results: Among the 17 patients with definite GNB-IE (11 male, mean age 54 years), 12 (70%) were due to non-HACEK GNB and 5 (30%) to HACEK group GNB. A prosthetic valve was involved in 10 cases (8 in non-HACEK and 2 in HACEK group). Escherichia coli (4/12 patients) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3/12 patients) were the most common pathogens in the first group; all the pathogens in the second group were Haemophilus spp. One-third of the patients with non-HACEK GNB had nosocomial IE, whereas injection drug use-related infections were rare (2/12). All patients with HACEK infection had at least one complication (intracardiac abscess, stroke or other systemic embolization). All patients were treated by antibiotic combination therapy during a median time of 42 days (interquartile range (IQR) = 42–42) and 10 (59%) underwent cardiac surgery. One death at 9 months was observed in the non-HACEK group. Conclusions: Regarding HACEK IE, this report supports the frequent association with vascular complications. Regarding non-HACEK GNB IE, this report supports the increasing proportion of nosocomial infections. We reported a high proportion of surgery in the therapeutic management of both HACEK and non-HACEK groups associated with no in-hospital mortality.